Commission Urges Action on Workplace Safety Standards

Commission Calls for Enhanced Workplace Safety Measures

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Dar es Salaam – The Public Service Commission has urged both employers and employees to take proactive steps in reducing workplace hazards such as occupational diseases and accidents to protect workers' well-being and ensure a safer working environment.

During an official visit to the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) in Dar es Salaam, the Commission’s chairperson, Judge (Retired) Hamisa Kalombola, emphasized the need for intensified education on occupational safety and health. She called on OSHA to expand its awareness programs, particularly within the public sector, to reinforce safety standards and compliance.

The visit follows a directive from the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), George Simbachawene, who instructed the Commission to assess workplace safety conditions within public institutions. The goal of the assessment is to strengthen compliance with health and safety regulations and ensure that employees work in environments that minimize risk.

Judge Kalombola highlighted that the Commission’s primary mandate is the enforcement of public service laws and regulations. In recent months, workplace safety and health measures have been incorporated into the Commission’s inspection framework, marking a significant shift in its oversight approach.

“Ensuring adherence to occupational safety and health standards within public institutions is now a key aspect of our inspections. This visit to OSHA has been crucial in equipping us with the necessary knowledge to fulfill our responsibilities effectively,” she stated.

She further underscored the need for OSHA to provide specialized training for the Commission’s inspectors, ensuring they possess the expertise required to assess workplace safety comprehensively. Additionally, she recommended collaboration between the two entities to refine inspection checklists to align with best safety practices.

“While OSHA continues its efforts in training employers and employees, I also urge the authority to equip our inspectors with specialized knowledge. Workplace safety is not only a legal obligation but also an ethical responsibility that every employer must uphold,” she added.

In response, OSHA’s Chief Executive Officer, Khadija Mwenda, affirmed that the Commission had been briefed on the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 5 of 2003, along with OSHA’s operational framework and core responsibilities in enforcing workplace safety regulations.

She reiterated the importance of public institutions complying with safety regulations, urging institutional leaders to register their workplaces with OSHA and meet the prescribed safety standards.

“I call on all heads of public institutions to adhere to the government’s directive by ensuring their organizations are registered with OSHA and comply with the necessary safety and health requirements. Institutions that fail to do so will not meet the public service inspection standards established by the Public Service Commission,” she stated.

The Commission’s push for improved workplace safety underscores the government’s commitment to creating a secure and compliant working environment across public institutions. OSHA is expected to enhance its efforts in regulatory enforcement, training, and awareness campaigns to ensure that workplace hazards are effectively mitigated.